Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. (Psalm 69:1-3, NIV)
These words pretty well summarize what David experienced–not the David who penned these words but David Richards, my brother-in-law.
David died last Friday. He drowned in Lake Monroe, about 60 miles south of Indianapolis. He was a strong, 33-year-old father of three who was just out to have some fun with his boys, like they had done many times before. read more…
Tonight, May 7th, and tomorrow, May 8th, as well as Wednesday, May 27th, if you are wheelwatching, you could be mccroriewatching too!
Deborah and I had the opportunity to sit in on the taping of three shows of the Wheel of Fortune during our trip to California in early March. You will see us on any camera cutaways to the audience, about 3 rows up, right in the middle.
The experience was a lot of fun, seeing Pat and Vanna in action and being on the Hollywood set. I was able to talk a little bit with the show’s announcer too, Charlie O’Donnell, who has quite a showbiz story himself. The stage itself (Stage 11) is pretty small, but they really know how to use space (and camera angles!). And although America may see a glitsy gameshow, it’s pretty obvious that the workers are just doing their 9-5 job, even Pat and Vanna! All that glitters is definitely not gold–maybe gold paint! Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves. I almost got into big trouble on the first puzzle when I realized the answer before the contestants and started to blurt it out loud–just like I do at home! Deborah covered my mouth and saved us from getting kicked out!
If you’re ever in the L.A. area, you should check it out. Lots of fun and about 4 hours of time. Get your tickets early; they sell out, even though the tickets are free! Jeopardy is right there too on the set right next door to Wheel. We’ll try that next time…
Here is some recent video from The Master’s Seminary of Jon Kirby sharing the faithfulness of God over his years in seminary.
Here is the audio from our public question & answer time with Jon at Heather Hills:
Q&A with Jon Kirby
Here is the audio from Jon’s teaching on spiritual development at Heather Hills:
Four Essential Commitments for a Spiritual Development Ministry
Pastor Jon Kirby
This morning in a special business meeting of Heather Hills Baptist Church, the congregation called Jon Kirby to be our Associate Pastor of Spiritual Development with an 87% approval vote. Pastor Kirby will largely focus on the areas of discipleship and Christian education at Heather Hills.
We welcome Jon, Janel, Amber, Alisha, Tanner, Abby, and Trent to our church family and eagerly await their mid-June arrival!
This brings to an end a nearly five-month search with over fifty resumes having been reviewed. We are grateful to the work of the search committee and praise the Lord for His leading!
Pastor Kirby’s message which was read to the congregation today following the call was:
I praise God for the confirmation of His call on my life to minister alongside Pastor Brian, Pastor Bob and the Leadership Team at Heather Hills Baptist Church. The Kirby family is eager to be with you and to build Christ’s Kingdom together. Our focus will be to follow Christ with all our hearts while manifesting the fruit of the Spirit to each other and to the world. By His grace we will all accomplish these goals together for His great glory. Colossians 1:9-10 says, “we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” See you as soon as possible.
Praise the Lord! He is good!
After 4 months of searching and investigating over 50 resumes, I am excited to announce that Heather Hills is candidating a man for our new position of Associate Pastor of Spiritual Development! It has been a rich process thus far and we have been able to interact with many godly men around the country who are seeking the Lord’s will. However, in the end, one of our applicants has risen to the top of the list and has been unanimously recommended to our congregation by both the search committee and leadership team. read more…
Today, Deborah and I had the day off from the Shepherd’s Conference so we tackled two prestigious locations. The first was the resting place of my favorite U.S. President. The second was the resting place of the most famous sign in the world. read more…
SHEPHERDS, DAY THREE: “If we seek to please God, it does not matter whom we displease.”
Dr. Steve Lawson, Shepherd's Conference 2009
Once again, this final “official” day of the Shepherd’s Conference was a bright, sunny, and beautiful California day. The first session of the day was begun with Grace’s Sunday night worship team, which is the more contemporary styled service. They led a really wonderful medley of songs all pointing to the holiness of God: God of Wonders, Indescribable, Be Unto Your Name, Holy Holy Holy, and Refiner’s Fire. John MacArthur followed this with some biblical reflection on God’s holiness in regard to evangelism. One particular quote I wrote down was “You have an ally in the heart of every unregenerate man, that is the law of God written on the hearts of men.” (Romans 1) He then encouraged us to use the law in our soul-winning to show man his need of a Savior in relation to God’s supreme holiness. Phil Johnson, director of Grace to You, then preached from Titus 2:7-8 on “Sound Words.” Here are my notes: read more…
Dr. Rick Holland, Shepherd's Conference 2009
Today was the most beautiful March day I have ever experienced in my life. It was just a perfect day, sunny and warm. When I got out of my car after finding a parking space on a nearby street this morning, I was almost overwhelmed by the aroma of flowers and blossoming trees and bushes. The glorious morning continued with an outstanding message from Rick Holland, the Executive Pastor at Grace. His message was sourced in chapter eleven of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Here are some of my notes: read more…
Dr. John MacArthur, Shepherd's Conference 2009
The first day of the Shepherd’s Conference found me driving in pouring rain up I-5 past a terrible car wreck, through deep puddles of water, and searching in vain for a parking spot on the Grace Community Church’s lot.
HA! A little rain isn’t going to ruin this day! I found a parking spot along the street a few blocks away, waited for the rain to subside, and walked to the church campus.
How do you describe the buzz of 3500 pastors from around the world all gathering together in one place? I don’t know. Electric, maybe? Everyone was giving off an air of anticipation. Lots of smiles, hugs, and refreshments all around. I found a seat on the organ side (for Janz) and waited the beginning of the first keynote. read more…
As I write this, I am sitting in my hotel room in Burbank, California. I am eager to experience the Shepherd’s Conference for the first time. Each night, I will post a recap of the conference that day.
Why am I here? There are myriads of ministry conferences a pastor can attend in the 21st Century. I, however, am not interested in the latest ministry fads, the latest church growth techniques, or the latest superstar speakers.
I am interested in one thing, the passionate, expository preaching and teaching of the Bible. read more…
